For the first time in nearly a decade, Luke Glendening ’08 will be playing for a hockey team outside the state of Michigan, signing a two-year contract to play for the Dallas Stars.

Except for two brief minor-league stints, Glendening has been the pride of the Wolverine State. Born in East Grand Rapids, Glendening played for one year at Hotchkiss before walking on at the University of Michigan. He was a two-year captain for the Wolverines, and then played another two years for his hometown AHL club, the Grand Rapids Griffins.

For the last eight seasons, Glendening has played for the Detroit Red Wings, earning praise around the league for his hard-working attitude and his prowess in the face-off circle. Last season, he finished second in the league and led the Red Wings with a 60.9% faceoff percentage.

“Luke is a hard-working, detailed player that is very productive in all areas of the game. He is elite in the faceoff circle, he is a shot-blocking machine and he will play a big role on our penalty kill,” said Stars general manager Jim Nill in a release on the team’s website.